December 7th, 2010 
If you are anything like me, you spend the months or weeks leading up to the holidays thinking of the perfect gifts for your loved ones. And with all the decorations and parties, it is easy to focus only on those around us. However, the International Rescue Committee is offering the opportunity to make a difference to those both near and far with their holiday giftgiving campaign.
Rather than give a gift that may end up in the back of a closet, the International Rescue Committee is offering gifts that will warm the hearts of friends and family at the same time as they make a difference in the lives of refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At the IRC store, giftgivers can purchase critical items for refugees in honor of their loved ones; the IRC will send recipients a beautiful personalized card in the giftgiver’s name.
Giving IRC gifts means capturing the true spirit of the season:
· A $24 first aid kit can provide a community health worker with the tools to treat basic ailments in a community affected by crisis. It’s the perfect gift to dedicate in honor of a son or daughter in medical or nursing school. 
· A $52 prenatal care gift can provide essential care for an expectant mother living in a war-torn area. What mother wouldn’t be touched at having this gift given in her name?
· A farming kit, including seeds and tools, to help a family grow food, is $60, and makes a great gift for the friend with a green thumb.
· Summer school for a newly arrived refugee child in the U.S. is $100 and perfect to dedicate in honor of a teacher or student.
· Carpentry toolkits that cost $182 can help refugees rebuild devastated homes and communities – and would make a thoughtful gift for the tinkerer, crafter or handyman.
Amidst the hustle-bustle of the holidays, it is easy for us to take for granted warmth, clothing, and shelter. So, please either give an IRC gift in the name of one of your loved ones in lieu of a holiday gift directly to them, or add the IRC to your list of recipients this year, and support this amazing cause.
